SINCE 1940, the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana (PFFALA) has represented the career professional fire fighters throughout the state. Our Fire Fighters are the men and women who have committed their lives to protecting the lives of others. Although more than 4000 fire fighters are proud members of the PFFALA, our programs benefit and help protect the lives of every fire fighter and resident of Louisiana. In October 2012, the PFFALA began its first statewide fundraiser. Thanks to the residents and businesses who have stood behind our fire fighters, we continue to provide many outstanding programs such as:
• PROUDLY SPONSORING children to attend “Camp I’m Still Me” and “Camp Catahoula”, the two pediatric burn camps serving Louisiana. Created through the Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation in Shreveport, “Camp I’m Still Me” has been a memorable and uplifting experience for hundreds of children since its founding in 1992. In June 2019, the Baton Rouge General’s Regional Burn Center & Foundation hosted its inaugural season of “Camp Catahoula”. These camps provide children who have suffered the physical and mental trauma of burn injuries with a fun and safe environment in which to help rebuild their lives. In addition to assisting in the funding these camps, we have member fire fighters who volunteer their time to act as one to one counselors with the kids.
• SINCE 2015 Louisiana state law (Burke Cobb Act) has required that all public high school students, prior to graduation, receive hands on instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). We partner with the American Heart Association to implement and maintain this instruction for Louisiana high school students. Knowledge gained through this training provides thousands of young people each year with lifesaving skills they otherwise may not have. Thanks to these courses now being taught in our schools, lives will be saved for generations to come.
• SUPPORTING MedCamps Louisiana which is located near Choudrant, LA. Each year for ten weeks, children with conditions including developmental disabilities, autism, epilepsy, spina bifida, vision & hearing impairment, sickle cell anemia, and cerebral palsy, are able to participate in these amazing weekly summer camp.
• PRIMARY SPONSOR of the annual Company Officer Leadership Conference which features some of the most knowledgeable and highly respected fire service and emergency response professionals in Louisiana and from around the country. The courses covered help our fire fighters better serve citizens as well as prevent injury and death in the line of duty.
• AS FIRST RESPONDERS we are witness to tragedies which can affect our own mental and physical health. Resources made possible through our fundraiser include our Disaster Relief Fund, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) courses, and sponsored training conferences which all help provide an invaluable tool in an effort to “Rescue the Rescuers” and to better serve the public.
• CREATE AWARENESS of Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician injuries, occupational illnesses and the hazards Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians are exposed to as well as supporting efforts to improve benefits for Fire Fighters and EMTs injured in the line of duty.
We do not use a professional fundraiser and instead chose to conduct the fundraiser ourselves. Without the help of the community our life saving programs would not exist. Whether it be fire, auto accident, acts of terrorism, medical emergency, or natural disaster, we are the first to respond. As fire fighters, we realize that we may need to go beyond the call of duty. That is a call we proudly rise to answer.
Respectfully,
Chad Major, President
Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana
